2012 Chevrolet Spark 1.2L Petrol · LD12 TOJ

A clean five-test run with no advisories, failures, or component defects of any kind tells a straightforward mechanical story: this Chevrolet Spark has demonstrated consistent roadworthiness throughout its recorded MOT history, including the most recent pass on 23 June 2025. The only interruption in an otherwise unbroken sequence of passes was a single failed test on 24 June 2024, which was followed immediately by a pass the very next day on 25 June 2024 with no defects recorded. That pattern strongly suggests an aborted or incorrectly conducted first attempt rather than a genuine mechanical failure, because a car with a serious defect would not have passed a full retest the following day without any advisories logged. Across consecutive annual tests spanning 2022 to 2025, the vehicle has not flagged a single advisory for brake wear, tyre condition, suspension components, exhaust integrity, corrosion, or lighting, which is an unusually tidy record for a small city car approaching fourteen years of age. With 99,991 miles on the clock over roughly fourteen years, the annual accumulation rate works out at approximately 7,142 miles per year, sitting broadly in line with average usage for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record to suggest long periods off the road, nor are there any dramatic mileage jumps between tests that would indicate inconsistent odometer readings or erratic usage patterns. The mileage recorded at each successive test appears to progress steadily, reinforcing the impression of regular but modest daily use rather than the high-mileage motorway grind that typically accelerates wear on clutches, suspension bushes, and engine mounts. For a small-capacity petrol city car, this kind of average mileage generally keeps internal combustion components and drivetrain wear within normal service intervals, though it does mean the car has accumulated enough road time for normal consumable replacement cycles to have been completed several times over. Given the completely clean MOT record, there are no specific components flagged in the test history to focus a targeted inspection around, but a prospective buyer should still perform a thorough physical check because a clean MOT does not guarantee the absence of developing faults. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the steering feel, listening for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as worn strut top mounts and lower wishbone bushes are common wear items on a Spark of this age even when not yet flagged at test. Check for any pulling to one side under braking, which could indicate a binding brake caliper, and feel for any vibration through the brake pedal or steering wheel that would suggest warped front discs, particularly given that brake components are approaching the end of multiple replacement cycles at this mileage. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for any early signs of corrosion on the rear axle beam, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe routing, as the Spark is known to develop surface rust in these areas once it passes the ten-year mark, even where it has not yet been recorded as an MOT advisory. Check the exhaust system for blowing joints and listen for any rattling on the overrun, as catalytic converters and rear silencers on small Chevrolet petrol engines can deteriorate with age and mileage. Verify the operation of all interior and exterior electrical items, including the heater blower, central locking, and dashboard warning lights, as electrical gremlins can develop independently of the annual test. Finally, confirm that the timing chain or belt has been replaced at the recommended interval, as neglected timing components on higher-mileage small petrol units can lead to expensive engine damage, and ask for a service history to corroborate that routine oil and filter changes have been maintained throughout the vehicle's life.